Despite the rather uninteresting title, 'Midnight City' sounds anything but. The first track off the French outfit's forthcoming album 'Hurry Up, We're Dreaming', it grooves, climbs and races across vast electronic sound scapes, a great jazz element adding something more to the already catchy tune. Its synths squawk and soar in a manic epitaph of shoegaze infused 80's pop, and I absolutely love it. Buy the song from iTunes here or stream below. The album drops October 14th.
Free download over on the cloud of Sound- Tyson's new, adrenaline-pumping, 80's style track that wouldn't seem amiss in a Rocky or Karate Kid movie. In the artist's own words, this song "could have come straight out of early 80's Disco New York", and he's not wrong. A steady beat and solid guitar solo just over the half way mark sound fantastic, and Tyson's high vocals suit the music brilliantly. Download directly above, and mark 2012 as a drop date for a full-length release.
Pretty nice free track here from Love Delux, which you can download over at the Bandcamp. It's a slow moving number that oozes and bubbles along, carried by the undercurrents of a sensual beat and the tantalisingly hint of vocals, almost inaudible in their clarity. Morning dew drips from frosty leaves and the air feels fresh after a midnight storm. Check out 'Girl' below, then head over to this link to give it a download. I'm definitely waiting for more stuff from Love Delux!
I've actually been meaning to write up this review for a while, which brought to my attention the fact that I've been posting very few reviews lately. In part, this is due to the time it takes to write one, and the fact that I want to post loads of mp3s as well. When I get back to school, the reviews won't be everyday, that's for sure, so in that respect doing fewer reviews was probably a good idea. Back to SBTRKT. Pronounced 'subtract', the strangely written pseudonym belongs to an anonymous London music producer, who has only recently released this, his eponymous debut. I do love his mask though, which you can scope on the album cover. However, the record it covers sounded weird when I first heard about it. Labeled as dubstep, I wasn't eager to explore the genre, but after researching by way of a few remixes, I sat myself down and decided to listen without interruption. What I found was not the same as that which I expected to discover. 'SBTRKT' is like a sheet of white paper, in that on its own it would sound boring. Add a few highlighter pens and crayons to the table and it's a whole different story. Bass and pop infused dubstep is what we're dealt, and in my eyes it's a very nice hand to hold. A solid debut? Most definitely.
The best I've ever heard? No. While it's strong, a few things bug me about the overall sound of the record. Firstly, this is a crystal clear album. Seriously. There is not the tiniest reverb on the vocals or speck of dust on the turntable. Bringing in different artists to contribute vocally works and adds influence, but if it weren't for say, Sampha and his voice, the tracks could potentially feel very over-produced. With the soulful vocals however, the clean production kinda matches that and offsets the emotion and passion with calm, cool and sometimes even simple sounds. Some of the guest vocals don't amaze as much as Little Dragon or Sampha, but those two points are really my only quibble with this eleven track record. SBTRKT is, in the end, very good at tying together songs and working the arrangement in with the style of the vocalist. A very accessible record, I salute him, even if it does lacks the personality and distinctive feel needed to keep my attention.
'Heatwave' opens said album with a minimalistic flair that lingers throughout the other tracks. The layered sounds filled with anonymous male set a focal point amongst the synths, all of which contrast ever so nicely with the solid beat and simple melody of 'Hold On'. It marks the start of Sampha's contribution to 'SBTRKT', and with another five songs here touched by his voice, one could argue SBTRKT is a duo rather than a one-man affair. I personally love his voice, and consider it one of the better attributes this record retains. While not immediately mind-blowing, his soulful sensibilities shine with an emotion that dominates the songs. Another one of my favourite modern soul singers, Yukimi Nagano shows up on the next track, 'Wildfire', which is possibly my favourite out of these eleven. Her voice bubbles with individuality that takes the three minutes and splashes them with charm. Sampha comes back in with a completely different sound that's much deeper in its delivery. On a passive listen, and without looking at the tracklist, it would have been very easy for me to mistake his contribution on 'Something Goes Right' with that on 'Hold On', which has a higher range. I know a couple of people who don't like 'Pharoahs', probably because of it's higher, less soulful sound. I however find the speed and hook applaudable, rather than something to boo. 'Never Never' sounds a lot older in its structure and production than its predecessors, but again, the whole delivery makes it work within the context of the record. Closing aptly with 'Go Bang', SBTRKT creates a atmospheric sonic soundscape. It glistens with the dew of far off planets and glows with the hope of life outside our own. It's a playful look outside our little bubble, and I love it.
Overall then, this is a very solid debut release, but I just find myself wandering at points throughout it. I guess that I just can't relate very much to the sound. I can relate fantastically to Sampha or Yukimi, but there doesn't seem to be anything behind the music itself. Being an anonymous producer doesn't help, but for me, and this is just my opinion, I would have preferred a little more personality to come through from behind that tribal mask. The production is polished to within an inch of its life, which causes the music to lose that 'of the moment' spark, but if you're a fan of say, James Blake or Jamie Woon, you're bound to love this just a little bit more than I did. Have a listen to 'Wildfire' below.
Four man band hailing from Denver, Woodsman is set to release their new EP, 'Mystic Places', sometime late October, and 'In Circles' is the lead track off of said release. Woodsman, if you've never heard of them, combine two drummers with two guitarists to make something quite intriguing in its execution. There is a tribal passion to their layered sound that scrapes the ground and rustles the leaves with a texture hard to match. Hear the track below or pre-order the EP here.
Bram Ruiter is the name behind the pseudonym. A film student from the Netherlands, he released this EP yesterday, and I can't get enough of it. Available over in the Bandcamp for free, the first track of four, 'Now What', can be heard below. Every one of the songs feels completely different to its predecessor however. While 'Now What' throbs and oozes, 'For Spencer' is more beat-heavy. 'With Wings' is faster, while the next is slower. But guess what? They're all simply fantastic!
Brand spanking new track here from Twin Sister, which only dropped onto the Soundcloud sometime today. Brought to most people's attention with last year's EP, Twin Sister have a full-length, 'In Heaven' out soon. 'Gene Ciampi' teeters quite dangerously, but manages to balance amazingly well. It's cute, but undertones of dark, 'Reefer Madness' like sounds keep it grounded. The twang of the guitar, the vocals and the melody all just work brilliantly throughout, so have a listen below:
Cass McCombs has already released an album this past April, entitled 'Wit's End', but 'Humor Risk' is his second effort this year, with an expected drop in November. 'The Same Thing' is the first track off the new record and strives towards a much simpler feel than before, while still managing to sound fantastic. Airy guitars perfectly match Cass and his vocal style, and the 'la la la's and tinkling beat hint at an album dusted in pop sensibility. I'm looking forward to it!
Fantastic new track from A Gap Between, which was only uploaded to the SoundCloud today! I thought that the beautiful evening sky depicted on the cover of his upcoming EP, 'Summer Nightrunner', would make for a nice ending to the day, and the song itself certainly lives up to that. A rich beat backs the submerged bass line, and the trademark flute melody sooths as drum-taps add sonic detail to this portfolio of sound. Stream it below or head over here to listen to more
I absolutely adore the affected vocals on this song. Available for free from the camp that is Band, 'Cool Honey' starts with quite a dance-like beat, tinkling and bubbling under a layer of reverb. As the track progresses however, while the beat is still there, things feel toned down and more relaxed. It's very much like a party. The first few hours are somewhat hectic, but as people drift away, only a few lovestruck couples remain, swaying slowly on the dance-floor.
This was actually released before 'Love (with Paloms)', which you can listen to below, but I never got round to posting it. Once again, you can stream 'Passions' below, or download it free of charge from Blackbird Blackbird's Bandcamp page. This track is a little more focused on the vocals than the previous number, but it's no less note-worthy. The wonderful cover is the topping on the cake after the refreshing breath of synth pop that is these two minutes. Listen:
This group is amazingly quick. This is the second song they've managed to churn out, and I haven't even got round to posting the first! 'Lone (with Paloms)' is brilliant, with a dreamy guitar melody leading the floaty vocals as they drift down a river of carelessness and sunshine. An undeniably great number, stream it below or head over to Blackbird Blackbird's Bandcamp page to download it for free. I can't wait to hear a full-length from them, which I hope is on its way soon!
Here's an inspiring new video from Bon Iver, an artist I'm very fond of. 'Holocene' is the third track from his eponymous sophomore album, which I reviewed a while back, and the video itself is fantastic. It follows the journey of a small lad. He's young, and as such we remember back to when all things were wonderful, and every day held a new discovery. Knowing he doesn't have a computer or an iPod also strikes a chord, as he is having the greatest time ever while we have grown up. Scope the video above and muse on its tale.
Steve Goodwin and Ezekiel Barnett are the two fellows that make up the Skeleton Zoo, and who have just released their latest EP, 'The Busride'. The album cover very much emulates the collage of sound and samples that is this eight-track record, which you can buy for a minimum of 61 British pence, or alternatively download for free. All the information is available on the group's Bandcamp page, but while you decide, check out the ethereal 'I Can See The Stars' below.
Fantastic little number here, from Pittsburgh duo, Rivka. New and available to download for free from the group's Bandcamp page, 'Sky Child' is a huge song, wrapped in summer vibes and muffled by endless afternoons. It's a lovely tune to sit through, forgetting the present and remembering forgotten picnics in the park. Stream the track below, then I eagerly suggest heading over to the Bandcamp and picking it up for yourselves. I personally can't wait to hit play again!
This new track was dropped upon the Soundcloud a few days ago, from Sampha, the collaborator who worked with SBTRKT on the album of the same name. Rather than being backed by wonderous electronic soundscapes however, Sampha switches out into a simpler, but no less brilliant piano led ballad. This guy just keeps popping up every so often, and I can't help but enjoy his voice more and more with each listen. Hear 'Indecision' below or head off to the Soundcloud.
This is amazing. A few days ago I covered a track by Ghosthunting, the project by a member of another band, Saskatchewan. Now, I've just discovered that another member of Saskatchewan, Dave Plakon, has been working on side-project, Something Meaningful. He has a self-titled EP available to download for free from his Bandcamp, but you can stream a track, 'River Gone' below. It's an interesting mix of shoe-gaze and new wave sound worth listening through. Check it out:
You can actually stream Active Child's 'You Are All I See' over on the Hype Machine, but after listening to the whole album, 'Hanging On' stood out as one of the best tracks. The record is available to pre-order, but until then, have a listen to this song. The whole thing is wonderful, from the subdued melody to the almost majestic vocals. There is just something very heart warming about the track. Album art-wise, it isn't half bad either, so I've got a big version for y'all to admire.
I. Love. This video. Gotye is an Australian project by Wouter De Backer, and 'Somebody That I Used to Know' is the lead single off of his forthcoming record, 'Making Mirrors'. The fantastic Kimbra features in the video as Backer's ex-girlfriend and it is truly brilliant watching her come in. Seeing as most of the song is sung quite quietly, her loud notes give you goosebumps, and it's cool watching Backer's little flinches, as though he's afraid of her reaction. Check out the video above and then visit Gotye's online realm over here.
California based group Ganglians have a new album, 'Still Living', out August 23rd, the same date as that Chelsea Wolfe record! The band have already dropped a couple of tracks from the lp, but this is one of my favourite. 'Drop The Act' comes in with a misleading “This is a sad, sad song / For all you sad, sad people". It's sound is dappled in sun as the rays shoot down through springtime trees, its lush floor painted in undeniably brilliant psychedelic sensibilities.
'Mer' actually dropped a while ago, as a new song off of Chelsea Wolfe's forthcoming album, 'Apokalypsis'. At first, when the drums came in, I immediately likened her sound to that of Villagers, but as the track progresses I realised that this is decidedly darker in its approach. With the record rumoured to have a August 23rd release date, I can't wait to get my hands on it. This track is a secret meeting with the demons of this world, shivering in a wooden hut, alone in the forest.
I've just been sent this pretty cool video from Team Prolific, the guys featuring on Slimbtz Da King's latest single, 'The Poison'. The effects aren't the best in the world, but looking through that, it isn't half bad. A guy is obviously infected by something or other, which is why he's been taken into a lab of sorts. The video manages to tie everything together nicely, and the track itself is great. Scope it above and visit Team Prolific's site over here.
Eyes back down here if you would, after admiring my excellent photoshop skills! I was emailed this track earlier today, and it immediately caught my eye. Bauer. I vaguely remembered the name, and after reading the bio I realised I had loved their popular song 'Starting Again'. That was a long while ago, but it seems they're making a comeback, with a new album, 'Sleeping Giants'. 'Change Forever' is the first single from said record, and will drop September 5th via the band's website. You can have a listen to it below, but it will be available for free, which just goes to reflect the group's unfortunate decline. And it really is unfortunate. Having loved a recent record by the Mutineers, I was both surprised and excited to learn that Micheal Reed is part of the Bauer line-up. In terms of the song, the Mancunian outfit have moved away from warm pop to embrace a track swelling with discontent. The opening creeps and hides, and when the more upbeat sounds come in, there is that fantastic thrill of heartache and explosive passion. The vocals sound maturer and wiser than when I heard them last, and a certain charm comes from that. Based on this song, I'm already looking forward to hearing that forthcoming album, 'Sleeping Giants', which I think I'm going to love. Stream the track below and prepare to download!
This brand spanking new track is taken from three man outfit Archie Pelago, and their latest EP, 'Shrinin', which dropped today. Greg Heffernan, Zach Koeber and Dan Hirshorn make up the group, and combine instruments like a saxophone and trumpet with a tantalising electronic cityscape. A dark and Sin-City like metropolis crackles with the rain and forlorn robot silhouettes dance amongst the shadows. A moody jazz aroma fills the air, and a hopeless future looms. /via/
Brand new track from Gray Things now, the project from Dent May collaborator Thomas Cooper. The outfit's previous split with DEAD GAZE was extremely lo-fi, a paranoid air hanging over the tracks. 'Class' moves away from that, towards a much cleaner, sexier sound, laden in warm, electronic pop sensibilities. The album cover is pretty nice as well, which is a bonus. Recorded at the Dude Ranch with the help of Dent May, have a listen below and check out that split here.
Cerebral Ballzy are a New York punk band that I was actually looking forward to listening to. I thought I was in for some good old-fashioned punk music, full to the brim with rage and anger and thrashing about. The outfit is a quintet, and this eponymous debut was dropped near the end of last month. It has taken me a while to take this album in, if I'm honest, and like I said, I thought I was in for a nice ride... I wasn't. While the rage and anger and thrashing about is there, and indeed the production is pretty good, there is no drive to the music. A key element to punk is the sense of being lied to, deceived or mislead in some way. That gives a motive to the rage and a reason for the anger. With 'Cerebral Ballzy' however, I get the sense they're making pointless noise. There is something about the sound that makes them appear almost crazy, and in parts even arrogant. There is no bold statement in the lyrics against terrorism or segregation or racism, but instead we're being sang lines about them being annoyed about people telling them where to urinate. Really guys? Like a child demanding sweets, and consequently damming the world, this record holds not substance, and is possibly the pettiest punk album I've ever listened to.
Thankfully, at only twenty minutes long, prolonged torture is spared. I think I'm being a little harsh though. In the end, the production is good and throughout, the instrumentation sounds decent. Where this album falls short in in the ideas behind the music, as opposed to the technical execution of sound. 'On The Run' opens the album with a tired dig at the police, but seems to talk of running away. It's not about being charged for something you didn't do, but rather about getting annoyed with them chasing you. It doesn't work logically for me, which doesn't help much at all. 'Office Rocker' then comes in, with lyrics hardly understandable at all. The beginning to 'Don't Tell Me What To Do' works better in that respect, but suddenly descends into incomprehensible madness. 'Drug Myself Dumb' has great drum beats and a melody at the start, and 'Puke Song' has a lot of f***king and screaming. Variety-wise, a few different rhythms are squeezed into these twenty minutes, but I'm just trying to squeeze out something good to say about 'Cerebral Ballzy'. The deep and angry 'Don't Look My Way' sounds the same as 'Sk8 All Day', which sounds the same as the last two tracks. This really isn't good. I'm sure they're better live, but as for recording an album, I think I'm going to avoid listening to this again. Or their next release.
The technical side to the music here isn't bad at all, but it needs to be backed up with motives. Without a reason behind the anger, said anger seems pointless, arrogant and self-indulgent. Lyrically, there are little rebellious annoyances, but no real statements to give the record purpose. Without purpose, an album, whatever genre that might be, doesn't mean anything to anyone. A pop record aims to calm. A dance record aims to stimulate. A punk record aims to provoke rebellion, but the only thing 'Cerebral Ballzy' succeeds in is in provoking a headache. I would avoid Cerebral Ballzys eponymous debut.
Having blown everyone away with the gust of wind that was his debut album, 'Psychic Chasms', Neon Indian is building up to his second release, 'Era Extraña'. 'Polish Girl' is a lush electronic jungle, alive with sound and the anticipation for a full-length record. It frames his obvious and deserved confidence boost, and the song itself shines with that extra coat of varnish. All in all, it's setting up 'Era Extraña' to be one of the most eagerly awaited albums of the year. I simply can't wait.
First off, that album cover is breath taking. Just breath taking. Taken from their upcoming album, 'Garden of Arms', 'Setting It Off' is one of Peter Wolf Crier's more rhythmic, meditative and soulful numbers. Available for free along with another track from the album, I heartedly recommend heading over here to download them. Not the most original track I've ever heard, but 'Setting It Off' is competent in what it accomplishes; creating a confident mix of drums and fuzzy distortion.
Brand new track here from WU LYF, who didn't impress me as much as I was hoping when I reviewed their debut album here. One of the main reasons was the gravel-chewing vocals, which is why I'm surprised I like this song! Tom McClung has taken over from Ellery Roberts with the vocals, moving away from the gruff, lo-fi sound, to one much more down tempo in its execution. I certainly hope this sound continues though, don't get me wrong! Have a listen to it below:
As well as loving the album cover, this track sounds brilliant. Despite only having dropped three days ago, 'How Come You Never Go There' has already accumulated a lot of appreciation around the blogosphere. After her 2007 album 'The Reminder', Feist took time away, and this is her first single since. While she does stays close to that original sound, the production has gotten bigger, and dare I say, better? From her upcoming fourth lp, 'Metals', listen below:
I'm staying at a old fashioned beach house, the wooden tiles smooth with age. I laugh as I run down the white beach, the sand scorching my feet. Slowing down as I hit the crystal clear waters of the ocean, its cool waves lap at my knees. Looking out towards the horizon, a few torn clouds soften the sky and a light breeze tickles my cheeks. All is right with the world, and a peace descends. Listen to the soundtrack to this below, and visit the duo's Bandcamp page here...
The Stone Roses' eponymous debut album, released in 1989, is considered by many to be a classic record, and is present of many all-time lists. 'I Wanna Be Adored' is the opening track, and a timeless song. Despite all this, they only recorded how many albums? Two. Everyone has heard of The Stone Roses, yet their output doesn't reflect that popularity, which in itself reflects the quality of the music. So take a few minutes out and listen through 'I Wanna Be Adored', which you can stream on the flash player below.
A bit of relaxing folk pop now, I reckon. 'Dances' is a five track EP released a couple of months ago that sounds so unbelievably sweet you can't help but crack a smile. I can hear a little Vampire Weekend in there, glazed in some Beach Boys sensibility. The layering of sound upon sound and the delicate production make these tracks almost prefect in the feel they're trying to provoke, and I could listen to this for hours on end. Check out the EP over on the group's Bandcamp.
This is a relatively old track, released around six months ago. Having only discovered it now however, it deserves a listen. 'Holy Other - Touch' is a mix by Chicago outfit, Supreme Cuts, and the opener to a three track set over on the Soundcloud. It's fantastic. The throbbing bass and whispering voices leading up to the half way mark sound fantastic, and the whole thing has a sense of scope and space that I can revel in. Stream it below, then head here to hear the others.
Interesting track, to say the least. 'The Visitor' is the debut single from Miracle, a band composed of Zombi's Steve Moore and a chap called Daniel O’Sullivan, whose work includes the more recent band, Ulver. Unlike both of these guy's past efforts however, this song consists of some catchy electronic pop, which was a tad surprising. Moore's synths are still obvious though, and the moody dark vocals balance out brilliantly throughout! /via/
If you would be so kind as to read the post below this one, I mentioned that Chandler Strang is part of lo-fi pop band, Saskatchewan, and 'Dreamboat' is their latest track, released in May. Great album art is thankfully backed up with a great little tune. Instead of the slow and atmospheric hand we're being dealt with Ghosthunting, this is a much louder, warmer number. Available for free from the group's Bandcamp page, this isn't amazing, but it sure scratches a certain itch.
Chandler Strang has recently formed this new little project with a fellow named Michael Senejoa, after fronting lo-fi pop band Saskatchewan. Moving down a different path to the one he travelled before however, Strang has emerged in a forest much darker in its ambiance. 'Life For' is our first exposure to the aptly-named Ghosthunting. Stick on some of your best headphones and prepare to get lost amongst the wandering echoes and the perfectly haunting vocals.
Free track here from a Bloomington-based nineteen year old hailing from Indiana. 'The Town Crazies' is the opener to his eleven track album 'Tweaker in the Park', which you can stream or buy over at Amazon if you so wish. It's a great little song, from the reverb-covered vocals to the simple guitar, swamped in a lo-fi, bedroom recorded feel. There's an honest pop sincerity about it that's really appealing, so have a gander on the player below, or head over to this link.
Fantastic album art for Lana Del Ray's track, 'Video Games'. Happened upon this, and was immediately drawn in to her lovely voice. The soothing vocals are backed by subtle tinkling and a piano melody, while supported by some great lyricism. Unfortunately the video for 'Video Games' has been taken down because of copyright infringement or some other rubbish, but the track is available to stream below. Also, click on the art to enlarge it, 'cos it is wonderful.
Want to watch three girls jam it out in front of some gorillas? Sure you do, in which case you've come to the right place. Grass Widow hail from San Francisco and have already got one album out. I don't know what it is about the muffled speed and vocals here, with lower notes highlighted by higher ones, but it's great. Scope the brilliant video above. /via/
'July' is the first single from Boy Party's upcoming album, 'Who Cares?', which will drop early September. It's full of melancholy lyricism and summery vibes. The words are almost read out, muffled under a layer of reverb that doesn't actually sound half bad. A minimalistic air surrounds the song, from the tinkling melody to simple drum beat, and it all sounds very nostalgic and blurred. I love the style these guys have created, and can't wait to see what they come out with for their album. 'July' is free to download from this link.
Awesome album cover from Nihiti here. 'Pinko Morning' is taken from their forthcoming EP 'Faced With Splendor', which drops September 9th via Lo Bit Landscapes, and sounds much more heavily focused on acoustics and songwriting, rather than the synthesisers and beats we're used to. Either way, 'Pinko Morning' is lovely to the ear. There is a mounful look to the past that'd been bottled here, amplified by deep vocals and their gorgeous backing. Check it out:
Aaah! I can still feel the hairs on the back on my neck stand on end when I listen to this track! Young and in the Way are a North Carolina band and 'That is Not Dead Which Can Eternal Lie' is the opening track from their 12" record 'I Am Not What I Am'. The song is riddled with a black metal stench that looms and sneaks around a central slab of evil. You can catch wails in the wind and frankly, it's great. There is a definite sense of something wrong which the group have captured. An air of being lost. Of being terrified...
I was actually sent a link to this record a couple of days ago, but I've only just managed to write this up. Elliot is an Australian who was discovered putting out some pretty nice tracks over on the SoundCloud, and subsequently got a record deal with The Frequency Lab. 'Found Sounds' is his debut release; a thirteen track effort that tumbles over sonic hills, an abstract sky raining melodic beats that cause the electronic soundscapes to fizz and glitch. Running for only twenty minutes, I'd usually bung this in with the EPs, but the email said album, so that's what I'm taking it as. For the most part, this album suffers from the same ugly scar that Nasa's 'Uncommon Color Combinations Vol. 2' did, in that the songs are ended lazily. I mean, you are an electronic artist with almost any sound at your disposal, and a fade-out is the most imaginative thing you can come up with? It wouldn't be that bad if the rest of the album was poor, but it's not! The are some great beats and samples used here, which combine with the almost cinematic quality of the music to create something all too original. Hints of jazz, alien and foreign elements also emerge from the psychedelic fog that clouds and surrounds 'Found Sounds'. It would have been wonderful, had the songs had more definite and finished conclusions. Oh well.
'Non Being Nor Being' kicks off the album, with its alien croaks bubbling over a prayer and strange reverb-covered narration. 'Warm Jazz Rain' floats under warmer waters, with subtly mixed saxophone and finger-clicks adding to the rich musical soundscape. As it draws to a close, the dusty interference crackles into 'Thundering Plants', which, despite its name, retains a nice melody below the beats and noises. It might be a good time to mention that only one track out of the thirteen here runs over three minutes. A disappointing fade-out from 'Thundering Plants' marks the start of the next track, 'Sun Setting Over Bird Cage'. Said song is split into two parts, giving opportunity for a great transition. Instead, another fade-out is what we're dealt, which, while not scream-to-the-heavens bad, dampened the experience, for me at least. The song is fantastic though. Radio-crackles muffle the voice at the start of part one, before a throbbing, generator sound comes into play. Another deep, possessed voice is mixed through the track, and the end professor states, "The end has begun". The second part is more upbeat, but no less eerie. Tribal drums carry the beat and sonic phenomenon before the half-way tracks, 'Not Another Moniker' and 'I Dream an 8-bit Dream' begin. The latter track in particular, despite it only running for half a minutes, sounds lovely. Rain splatters the cold floor of a futuristic camp while a security robot whirrs, its red eyes flashing in the mist. Love it.
The start of the second half, 'Who 8 My Bits', sounds decidedly more dancey than the others during the introduction. The experimentation and glitches still tie it into the album as a whole, and it adds that element of variety to the record that's easy to appreciate. 'Unknown-Unitled' is another of my favourite tracks. Its almost soundtrack-like sounds feel epic and grand, and the high notes prevailing the air lend it a mysterious aroma. Another two parter then comes along in the form of 'The Dreams of Men', before the groovy beat of 'KVxd(mod) 5-4' and the alien invasion of 'Transmissions' end 'Found Sounds'. Overall, I guess I did enjoy the atmospheric beats Elliot threw my way, but the endings don't live up to the standard put in place by the majority of the songs. There isn't anything wrong with this album apart from that though, so this is another easy recommendation from me. Head over to Bandcamp to download or stream the album. You can also listen to track nine, 'Unknown-Untitled' below. Sorry for taking so long to get this review written up as well!
I unashamedly admit that I first listened to this track because of the album art. I know you should never judge a book by its cover, but I'm a sucker for excellent record sleeves. What can you expect though, seeing as Scott Hansen is both a graphic designer as well as a musician. 'Hours' is taken from 'Dive', an album out in November, and runs for nearly six minutes. Filled with futuristic and whispering synths, the percussion is deep and brooding, forming soundscapes like a god. Wonderful stuff to listen to.
Love this track, simply for the opening section. That is absolutely fantastic. White Glove is Tim Wenzel, and 'High Bike' is the opening song to his eponymous debut EP. It doesn't actually label itself as an EP, but at only seventeen minutes long I'm assuming so. It's a nostalgic basement jam before a trip to the beach. It's a childhood memory blurred by the summer of 1987, and it's undeniably great. Head over to the Bandcamp page now, to stream or purchase the whole ten tracks.
Turned onto this by Jim Martin via the Facebook page, so thanks to him! This is the music video for the track 'Eleanor' from The Union Choir's three track single of the same name, and I love it. It emulates that almost child-like honesty that clicked in the song itself. A tale of a mermaid and a fisherman, the whole production and feel is great. Check it out above!
This three track single has been sitting in my inbox for a few days, but when I finally got round to it, wow. The Union Choir are an eight piece outfit from South Shields, with 'Eleanor' dropping on the 15th as their debut single. Cited as sounding like The National, the post punk vocals act out a play, heartbreaking hopeful against an aching instrumental backdrop. Folk vibes run down the spine of all three tracks and the intelligently written lyrics run towards your heart and tug at the heartstrings. This is that one beautiful rainbow on a rainy day, lifting your spirits with an honest charm that's hard to forget. Keep a close eye on The Union Choir, because this single promises one fulfilling musical future!
Video here from Dominant Legs, a San Franciscan quintet who have just dropped 'Hoop of Love', the first single from their upcoming album, 'Invitations', which will be released September 27th. From the busy city to the wide open field and lake, there is a tangible sense of freedom that's evoked here. A catchy melody and nostalgic air don't go amiss either mind. I'll definitely try to grab a copy of the afore-mentioned lp for review if I can...
Eerie atmospheric track from Oopart now, which only actually dropped yesterday. It's the soundtrack to a nightmare. Tinkling electronic notes race across a bed of stunning bass, and the intro is absolutely fantastic, as is the ending. Oopart himself is a twenty-six year old electronic music producer from Paraguay. His first EP 'The Beginning' was released earlier this year, with another, 'Greetings from Cydonia' released just last month. Listen below or head over to the SoundCloud.
Forest Fire are the latest Fat Cat Records band, with a sophomore album out in October. Rather unlike The Animal Collective and Sigur Ros however, who are also signed to the label, this Brooklyn outfit sound a little less experimental. It's not bad though. Some great vocals make their way along the electronic-tinted guitars and percussion. About half way through there's a lovely calm climax too, which sooths nicely. It's available for free download over at SoundCloud.
